"I will," nodded Grace, "but I must run downstairs to the kitchen for a minute. I'll be back directly."
It was fifteen minutes before she returned. Emma had finished her mending and was on her knees before the chiffonier putting her waists away.
"Now I'll tell you," began Grace.
Emma turned her head to listen, but before Grace had time to begin the door was flung violently open and Evelyn Ward rushed in, her blue eyes bright with anger. "How could you tell Miss Sheldon that I didn't go to New York with you? You could have helped me and she wouldn't have said a word to Miss Wilder. Now I shall be expelled from college and it is all your fault. You are—"
At this juncture, however, Emma Dean took a hand. Without giving Grace an opportunity to say a word she marched over to the excited Evelyn. "Miss Ward, leave this room instantly, and do not come into it again until you have asked Miss Harlowe to pardon you."
In contrast to Evelyn's half-screamed denunciation Emma's voice was low and even, but it vibrated with stern command.
"I—she—" began Evelyn, but the look in Emma's eyes was too much for her. With a half-sobbing cry of anger she rushed from the room.